Which of the following is necessary for collisions to be successful according to collision theory?

• A. The colliding particles must be of equal mass.
• B. The colliding particles must be in the gaseous state.
• C. The colliding particles must have identical velocities.
• D. The colliding particles must have sufficient energy to overcome the activation energy barrier.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that collision theory explains how chemical reactions occur and why reaction rates differ for different reactions.
2. Recognize that for a collision between particles to be successful, it must have two main criteria: sufficient energy and proper orientation.
3. Identify that the energy criterion means the colliding particles must have enough kinetic energy to overcome the activation energy barrier, which is the minimum energy required for the reaction to proceed.
4. Note that the mass of the particles, their physical state (gas, liquid, solid), or having identical velocities are not necessary conditions for a successful collision according to collision theory.
5. Conclude that the key requirement is that the colliding particles must have sufficient energy to overcome the activation energy barrier for the reaction to occur.